As well as detecting sarcasm, the tool needs to be able to identify ‚influencers‘ (people who start trends on social media), gauge sentiment around particular topics, and interpret content in multiple languages.

The agency does not explain the purpose of the analysis, but does set out its mission, which includes „preserving the integrity of the economy“, and „protecting national leaders, visiting heads of state and government“.

Meanwhile, Peter Eckersley, technology projects director for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said project is doomed because computers cannot comprehend the complexities of a nuanced conversation

“It’s difficult not to be sarcastic about the idea of the Secret Service automatically, algorithmically, examining all of your social-media posts to determine, among other things, that you’re being sarcastic,” he said.